The National Day of Mourning is a day to remember and honour workers who lost their lives or experienced a workplace injury or illness because of a workplace tragedy. The Day of Mourning was first recognized in Canada in 1984. The Canadian Labour Council first held its first day of remembrance in 1986. Traditionally on April 28 the Canadian flag is flown at half-mast on Parliament Hill and on all federal buildings. More than one hundred (100) countries now observe April 28 as a Day of Mourning.
On April 28 Unions, families, community organizations, faith groups and others gather to honour those who lost their lives in the workplace and to recommit to working towards establishing safe and healthy conditions in the workplace so as to prevent further fatalities, injuries and illnesses.
COPE Ontario encourages all its members across Ontario to:
- Attend a Day of Mourning event in your community
- Encourage your family, friends, and neighbours to attend a Day of Mourning ceremony
- Ask your Employer to publicize the Day of Mourning on their website
- Work with local media to promote and cover the Day of Mourning events
- Use digital tools by posting photos and messages about the importance of the Day of
- Press elected officials to support better enforcement of health and safety regulations.
- COPE Ontario encourages its members and all Employers, organizations, and communities to pause and observe a moment of silence at 11 am on April 28th.
